Local guide · Wilmington
NC Aquariums Discovery Bay
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher closed in May 2026 for a major expansion and is expected to reopen around late 2028. While it’s closed, the aquarium runs Discovery Bay, a small free exhibit inside Wilmington’s Independence Mall.
Why families go
Set expectations: Discovery Bay is a small taste of the aquarium, with seahorses, frogs, fish and carnivorous plants, and staff ready to talk about them. The aquarium’s otters, alligators and sharks are not here. It’s a free, air-conditioned half hour for young kids, and it pairs easily with a Wilmington errand or a rainy day.
Don’t miss
- Seahorses and small fishUp-close habitats run by aquarium staff.
- Frogs and carnivorous plantsIncluding local species.
- A preview of what’s comingFort Fisher’s expansion will add a 400,000-gallon shark habitat, a coral habitat and a shark and ray touch pool.
Photo: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Before you go
- Don’t drive to Fort Fisher expecting the aquarium; it’s closed until about late 2028.
- The Topsail Aquarium in Surf City is a hands-on alternative much closer to home.
Plan your visit
- Where: Independence Mall (JC Penney wing), 3500 Oleander Dr., Wilmington, NC 28403
- From Topsail: About 45 minutes from central Surf City.
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
- Admission: Free.
- Official updates: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher: updates
- More nearby: more family fun in Wilmington
A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.
Based on official information from the attraction and the agencies that run it; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and schedules change, so confirm before you go.